Karkaroff wasn't behind his desk this time. Instead he was staring out the porthole into the blackness of the lake beyond. He didn't turn to look as Tamblin entered the cabin.
"Do you like Hogwarts, Tamblin?"
Tamblin frowned. Karkaroff's voice was airy but his body language suggested weighty concerns.
"It has been a fine institution for learning magic. There are aspects of the school itself I like quite a lot. The library for instance."
"Have you thought about perhaps attending Durmstrang instead?"
"Sometimes," Tamblin admitted. "But my home is here. I think I should like to see Durmstrang, though."
Karkaroff turned to look at last. He wore the thin fake smile he usually adopted.
"You should. You should. It is quite different than Hogwarts, you know. Instead of a separate solitary castle it is a walled city. Well, perhaps 'city' is an overstatement. The non-school population is smaller than the local village. Hogsmeade? Yes. The actual Durmstrang keep is small compared to Hogwarts. Most of the teaching takes place outside of the keep, in the town. Except for the creature pens. Those are outside of the walls entirely. Too many incidents."
"I've read that Durmstrang has a strong history of crossbreeding animals."
"Of course. The school was founded by the niece of Herpo the Foul. You can hardly have the creator of the first Basilisk as a patron and not be interested in the crossbreeding of animals. But then, you'd know all about that from the family histories I suppose."
Tamblin didn't answer. He suspected what was coming next.
"You do know about them don't you?"
"Yes."
"Would you consider-"
"No."
Karkaroff seemed to think about this flat denial for a moment.
"Well, if you are quite sure. Let us speak of other matters. How do you feel about Dumbledore?"
"I'm not sure that is an appropriate question for me to answer, or you to ask."
Karkaroff's smile widened.
"You have a sense of propriety, Tamblin. I would not ask this question of other students, nor under other circumstances. Your father and I were like family." Karkaroff rubbed at his left arm. "And I would like you to think upon me like an uncle, a well connected uncle. And I will think upon you as a long-lost, and well-liked, nephew. A helpful nephew."
"What kind of help is my 'uncle' requesting?"
"I'm very concerned about the tournament, Tamblin. We've barely started and already it's going spectacularly wrong. Two Hogwarts champions. Two! Someone is tampering. You understand I am concerned for the safety of all involved. The tournament will be dangerous enough without someone… upsetting the balance."
"What is it you want me to do?"
"I've heard rumor that you take a lot of walks."
"I've been known to."
Karkaroff carefully cleaned one fingernail as he spoke.
"Even at night?"
"When the mood strikes me."
"And all over the grounds and castle?"
Tamblin nodded.
"Well, if on your walks you see or hear anything that might pertain to the tournament, and you told me then I could make sure it was… legitimate… and within the rules."
"I see. And in return?"
Karkaroff managed to look hurt.
"In return?"
"Well, it's just that you've already missed so many of my birthdays, Uncle Igor."
They stared at each other for a second.
"What did you want," Karkaroff asked flatly.
"I want to know a lot more about my father. I also want to know what you know about my mother and your time here with them. All of it."
Karkaroff grimaced. It was actually a more flattering expression on him.
"It was a very difficult period."
"I know about your time in Azkaban, uncle. You won't shock me."
"Why would you want to know about that period," Karkaroff asked, his eyes fiercely suspicious.
You wouldn't even exist if it weren't for my lord.
"I have questions I need answers to. I need to know what happened back then."
"Very well. Bring me some news of the present and I'll tell you of the past."